10 ESSENTIAL TIPS WHEN SMOKING WEED FOR THE FIRST TIME

Smoking cannabis for the first time, at any age, is a new and exciting experience. However, it is important to be mindful of the proper usage and to start with a low dose to see how it affects you. Here are 10 tips for smoking cannabis for the first time:

Before we dive into the 10 tips

Before we dive into the tips, there is one primary piece of advice I  give to anyone who considers smoking weed for the first time: don’t smoke alone.

The effects of Cannabis differ from person to person, and it is crucial to have someone who can assist you if you experience any adverse side effects or feel uncomfortable. 

Having someone with you also provides an extra level of accountability and can help prevent overconsumption. Additionally, smoking Cannabis with one or more friends can be a fun and enjoyable experience and a good opportunity to socialize and share the experience.

Choose a trusted companion who is responsible and respectful of your boundaries, preferably someone who has extensive experience with Cannabis, to keep you company and make sure everything goes well.

That being said, here are our ten tips for safely smoking weed for the very first time:

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT THE DIFFERENT STRAINS OF CANNABIS AND THEIR EFFECTS.

Different strains of Cannabis can have very different effects, ranging from energizing and uplifting to relaxing and sedating. Educating yourself about the different strains and their effects is important, so you can choose the best strain for your needs and desired experience.

2 . START WITH A LOW DOSE.

It is easy to over-consume Cannabis, and taking too much can lead to unpleasant side effects such as anxiety and paranoia. To avoid this, it is crucial to start with a low dose and to wait at least an hour before consuming more to see how it affects you.

Over-consuming Cannabis is especially easy when consuming edibles. Edibles take a lot longer to show their effects than smoking Cannabis. This has to do with the way the body processes THC (the psychoactive compound in Cannabis that makes you ‘high’). THC in edibles must first be digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the individual and the amount consumed. 

Once absorbed, the liver metabolizes the THC, which converts it into a more potent form called 11-hydroxy-THC. This process usually leads to a longer-lasting and often more intense high than smoking.

On the other hand, smoking Cannabis produces a more immediate and shorter-lasting high, as the THC is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs. The effects of smoking cannabis can be felt within minutes and typically last for 2-4 hours.

Overall, the effects of edibles versus smoking cannabis can vary widely based on the individual and the specific product being consumed. It is important to be aware of the differences and to start with a low dose to see how it affects you.

3. USE A CLEAN, WELL-MAINTAINED SMOKING DEVICE.

Using a clean, well-maintained smoking device is essential for an enjoyable smoking sesh. Firstly, it will help to ensure that you are getting the most out of your Cannabis and that you are not inhaling any contaminants or impurities. Secondly, using a clean device will help reduce the risk of respiratory irritation and other health issues.

Water pipes, more commonly known as “bongs” are a popular way to consume Cannabis. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Like any smoking apparatus, they need regular cleaning to keep them in top condition. 

4. SMOKE IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.

Smoking cannabis produces smoke, which can be irritating to the respiratory system, especially if you are not used to it. To reduce the risk of respiratory irritation, you should smoke in a well-ventilated area, such as outdoors or in a room with an open window.

5. STAY HYDRATED.

Cannabis can cause dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and lead to other health issues if left unchecked. To help combat this, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water while using Cannabis. Tea is an excellent alternative for water, since the taurine in the tea will actually help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.

6. DON’T MIX CANNABIS WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES, ESPECIALLY ALCOHOL.

Mixing Cannabis with other substances, especially alcohol, can increase the risk of adverse side effects and impair your judgment even further. Only use Cannabis on its own and avoid mixing it with other substances.

7. DON’T SMOKE CANNABIS IF YOU HAVE RESPIRATORY ISSUES.

As stated before, smoking Cannabis produces smoke that can irritate the respiratory system and potentially exacerbate pre-existing respiratory issues such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. If you have respiratory issues, it is best to avoid smoking cannabis and consider using a different method of consumption, such as edibles or vaporizers.

If you would rather not smoke cannabis, consuming cannabis infused edibles is a good alternative. It allows you to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the drawbacks of inhaling smoke. Just be aware that edibles have their own “rules” when it comes to their effects and the duration of the “high”. (read more about edibles here)

8. BE CAREFUL WHEN SHARING YOUR SMOKING DEVICE.

Sharing your smoking device can increase the risk of transmitting diseases such as the flu or COVID-19, as well as other respiratory infections. Using your own personal smoking device is important to help reduce the transmission risk. It is a good habit to clean off the mouthpiece of your smoking device, whether this is a bong, a pipe or a vaporizer, before handing it to your friend.

9. DON’T USE CANNABIS IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING.

There is limited research on the effects of Cannabis on pregnant or breastfeeding women, but it is generally recommended to avoid using Cannabis during these times.

10. DON’T FEEL PRESSURE TO SMOKE IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE.

This should probably be the number one rule: only use Cannabis if you are comfortable and willing to do so. Never feel pressured by others to use Cannabis if you are not interested. Remember: it is always okay to say no and to respect your own boundaries.

CONCLUSION.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your first time smoking Cannabis is a safe and enjoyable experience. Remember to always use Cannabis responsibly and to be aware of the potential risks and negative effects.

If you would like to know more about the benefits and potential risks of using Cannabis, check out this article on the 15 things you should know about Cannabis before lighting up.

Also, check out this blog-post about what to do if you accidentally consume too much cannabis and experience a “bad trip.”